asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the number of murders, or attempted murders, of soldiers and members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metro politan Police which have occurred in Ire land in the course of the past year, stating in each case the province in which they have taken place?

issued the following Return:

Province,	Murder		Attempts to murder.
	No. of cases.	No of persons killed.	No. of cases	No. of persons wounded.
Royal Irish Constabulary.
Ulster	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Leinster	1	1	2	1
Connaught	Nil	Nil	1	1
Munster	6	9	17*	14
Totals	7	10	20	16
Military.
Ulster	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Leinster	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Gonnaught	Nil	Nil	1	1
Munster	1	1	3*	9
Totals	1	1	4	10
*Includes one case in which murder also was committed shown in column 2.

In the Dublin Metropolitan Police area during the past year there were three murders and eight attempted murders of police, and one attempted murder of a soldier.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state the number of appointments to the position of salaried sub-postmaster made since the Armistice in the districts of Kildare, Midleton, and Charleville, in Ireland; and how many of these men served in His Majesty's Forces during the War?

There has been a vacancy for a salaried sub-postmaster at each of the towns named. The candidate appointed to Kildare is an ex-Royal Engineer, who was over age for active service during the late War, but served with the Forces in a civilian capacity as an instructor in telegraphy. The candidate appointed to Charieville did not serve in the Forces. An appointment at Midleton has not yet been made.

asked the Food Controller whether he has received protests by many public authorities against the prices fixed to producers for milk during the winter months under the Milk (Winter Prices) Order, 1919; whether these prices are unduly high; and whether he can state the reasons for the decision?

It is the case that a number of protests have been received. The Food Controller cannot, however, agree that the maximum prices, which were decided upon after the most careful consideration of all aspects of the problem, are excessive.

asked the Food Controller what are the net profits, if any, made by the Department of foodstuffs since the inception of control?

The certifided net profits of the Ministry of Food for the financial year ending 31st March, 1918, were £133,363 5s. 9d. Details were published in Command Paper 191. A provisional trading account for the financial year ending 31st March, 1919, was published in Command Paper 296, which shows an estimated net profit of £1,350,023. A further review of the position has been made recently for the information of the Select Committee on National Expenditure; and it is estimated that, so far as can be calculated at present, the aggregate results of the trading of the Ministry since the inception of control to 31st March, 1920, will result in a profit of approximately £1,100,000. In view of the fact that this margin amounts to about one-tenth of 1 per cent. on the total transactions of the Ministry over the period in question, it may fairly be claimed that the Department has succeeded in its object of being self-supporting without making a profit.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many yards of cloth (various), how many pairs of boots, how much hosiery, tanned leather, hardware, crockery, glass, and how many brushes and brooms are held by his Department in excess of the quantities held on the 1st August, 1914; and will he give particulars of the amount of the above articles disposed of, other than for service purposes, from the 1st of April last?

As regards cloth materials, boots, hosiery, hardware, crockery, and glass, particulars of the stocks held on 1st August, 1914, could not be obtained at this date without the expenditure of much time and labour; but it may be taken, speaking generally, that the present slocks are not in excess of requirements; on the contrary, in several instances, notably blue cloth, navy pattern boots, shoes, socks, and stockings they are very low, being not more than sufficient to meet expenditure during the next two or three months. In those in stances where the termination of the War left excessive stocks in the hands of the Department, the surplus quantities have been declared to the Disposal Board. These include the following:—

*Woollen Comforters	150,000	No.
*Woollen Gloves	120,000	prs.
*Woollen Mittens	70,000	prs
*Balaclava Helmets	70,000	No.
*Woollen Drawers	80,000	prs.
*Cardigans	30,000	No.
Rubber Boots	20,000	prs.

Leather Hoots (Shore Service) 30,000 prs. The articles marked formed part of the free issue of warm clothing specially authorised in winter for the Fleet in Northern Waters during the continuation of the War. With regard to tanned leather, brushes, and brooms, the quantities held at the present time are not in excess of those held on 1st August, 1914. None of these articles have been disposed of other than for Service purposes since 1st April last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Signaller Linnett, No. 624756, Honourable Artillery Company, D battery, 113th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, who enlisted voluntarily in 1916, was by mistake enrolled on a record of service paper (A.F. B2,513) and consequently is being retained under the Military Service Act; whether Signaller Linnett enlisted at the age of eighteen, and will now be penalised in his career of chartered accountant if retained with the Colours; and will he see his way to allow him to be demobilized?

Inquiries are already being made in this case, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the hon. Member for West Bromwich has made several applications to the officer commanding the 2nd Worcester Regiment for the release of Private H. T. Moore, No. 73939, 2nd Worcesters, who enlisted under age; and whether, in view of the fact that the signature of the parent on the attestation paper is a false one, he will order the release of the man?

I am not aware of this case, but I will make inquiries and inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister what is the position as regards pension of a woman with children, deserted by her husband to whom a pension has been awarded and who disappears without submitting himself for medical re-examination; is the woman in such a case deprived of the pension which she has been entitled to receive by a separation Order of Court; and, if so, in what way is it expected that she is to maintain her self and her children?

The pension and children's allowances awarded to a disabled man depend upon the extent of his disability, and when the period of an award expires a re-examination of the man is absolutely essential, in order to deter mine whether any, and, if so, what, degree of disability remains. If the man refuses to submit himself to re-examination, pension under the Royal Warrant must cease. In certain cases, where the pension has ceased in circumstances similar to those referred to, the Special Grants Committee have been able to assist the wife and children, and if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any case he may have in mind, I will ask them to consider it.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private Thomas Walmsley; whether he is aware that this soldier was discharged on 5th July, 1919, suffering from hydrocele; that on 5th June, 1919, he refused to undergo an operation at Black pool on the ground that one of the doctors had expressed the opinion that an operation was not required; that the soldier has now been offered a gratuity of £45, which he has refused on the ground that, in view of his condition, he is entitled to a pension; and that his panel doctor has expressed the opinion that a pension should be awarded, as the disability will be of a permanent character; and whether he will have further inquiries made into this case?

If my hon. Friend will furnish regimental particulars for the purpose of identification, inquiries will be made into the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Army pre war pensioners who were medically examined and graded will be eligible for the increased scale of pensions proposed to be given to those pensioners who rejoined the Colours?

No, Sir, not unless they actually re-enlisted and gave satisfactory service during the War.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the possibility of paying a war gratuity on discharge to all members who have served m the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps; whether he is aware that many of these women, who have done service in France, are handicapped on demobilisation owing to the cost of a civilian outfit; whether in many sections they have done equally responsible work to that of their brothers in the Army proper; and whether, having regard to all the circumstances, he will see that the matter is sympathetically reviewed?

I have been asked to reply. The question has received full consideration, and I regret that it is not possible to give a gratuity in these cases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the average weekly number of discharges that are now taking place at Wool wich Arsenal; and whether he can now see his way to suspend any further discharges until after Christmas?

The average weekly number of discharges at Woolwich Arsenal during the last seven weeks is 121. It is regretted that suspension of discharges cannot be arranged.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what facilities are given by the Disposal Board to discharged Service men for purchasing motor lorries; and if they receive exactly the same facilities as local authorities?

As I have stated on previous occasions, the Disposal Board are unable to offer preferential terms to any one in the purchase of surplus Government property. Arrangements have, however, been made for the sale of motor vehicle by the Board to the War motors Association, an organisation which is acting in the interests of ex-Service men, whereby facilities are afforded to these men which it would be impracticable for the Board to give direct. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that there is ample accommodation for the storage of high explosives at His Majesty's factory, Penrhyndeudraeth, county of Merioneth, where there is also the necessary staff; and whether, having regard to national economy, he will cause, the explosives now stored at Dinas Mawddwy to be removed to Penrhyndeudraeth with a view to the closing of the former store and the saving of about £700 per annum?

On 3rd November, in answer to a question put by my hon. Friend, I stated that £12,000 had already been realised by sales of explosives stored in this magazine. Negotiations are now in progress for the sale of the balance of the stock, and pending a definite decision it is not considered economical to incur any additional expense, in handling and transport, by the transfer of the stock from Dinas Mawddwy to Penrhyndeudraeth. Till two or three days ago this factory was not available for disposal as it has been held in reserve for the Ministry of Labour for training discharged and disabled men. It has now been decided not to utilise it for that purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware that the explosives store at Dinas Mawddwy, upon which a sum exceeding £l,000 was expended, was an unoccupied shed which had no separate assessment to local rates; and, having regard to the fact that this shed, together with the slate quarry, is only assessed at £32, and that the building has been com pletely renovated at the public expense, will these points be borne in mind when the question of compensation is considered?

The question of compensation will in due course be referred to the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, who will, no doubt, take into consideration any facts which they may deem relevant. I understand that certain cottages were taken over in addition to the shed, and that the latter contained some machinery.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether tenders have been issued for 20,000 new beds for the Royal Air Force; whether 8,000 beds have been ad vertised for sale in the current month's surplus; and whether he will consider the cancellation of the tenders referred to?

No tenders for now beds have been issued by the Ministry of Munitions. My hon. Friend's question would appear to refer to tenders issued by the Office of Works, which, as was stated in my answer to the hon. Member for the Yardley Division of Birmingham, were subsequently cancelled. Approximately 4,000 beds are advertised for sale in the current issue of "Surplus," dated the 15th November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions what is the size of the staff now maintained in the London area for the inspection of motor vehicles and spare parts made to Government order; and what was the corresponding staff at the date of the Armistice?

A staff of eighteen is now maintained in the London area for the inspection of motor vehicles and spare parts; at the time of the Armistice the number was seventy-two. Both these figures include the clerical staff. The London area for this purpose covers the whole of the South of England, and the East up to, and including, Lincoln.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many children are being educated at the national schools at Cowley, Middlesex; and what is the annual amount paid to teachers in these schools?

The number of children on the books of the Cowley Church of England School is 114. I am informed that the teachers' salaries amount to £1,133 18s. per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of extending to members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and other women's corps, including the Voluntary Aid Detachments, the benefit of the £2,000,000 granted for university education for soldiers who were members both of the fighting forces and also of the base camps; whether the claims of women to share in the grant are equal to those of men at the base camps; and, since it is clear that only a few women can benefit, can he see that the concession is granted?

The funds placed at the Board's disposal were for men only, and they are insufficient to allow of such an extension of the scheme as the hon. and gallant Member suggests.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to ensure that priority for houses will be given to ex-Service men in all housing schemes carried out under the authority of his Department?

The choice of tenants for houses built by the local authorities is a matter for the local authorities, but the local authorities hare been recommeuded specially to bear in mind the special claims of ex-Service men and those with families in selecting tenants for their houses.

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of the staff of the London Housing Board, the total amount of the salaries, the rent that is being paid for offices, and the cost of office equipment?

The staff of the London Housing Board numbers sixty-nine, which includes ten permanent Civil servants detached from other divisions of the Ministry and one land valuer. The total amount of the salaries of the temporary staff, and of the special allowances to the permanent Civil servants is £19,33 a year. The approximate rent of the rooms occupied at Wellington House, where the Board is located, is £780 a year. The office equipment has been taken over from the Ministry of Health and other Public Departments. It should be noted that the London Housing Board discharges for London and the surrounding areas the duties performed by the Housing Commissioners in other areas.

asked the Minister of Labour whether consent has been refused to the contractors for the Ministry of Munitions' housing scheme at Radford, Coventry, to pay rates of wages agreed between the Midland Area Joint Council; and, if so, whether, seeing that such refusal is likely to cause a complete stop page of this scheme for the erection of some 250 houses, this action was taken having full regard to the present need for I housing in Coventry?

The position is that an agreement as to wages sottled by the Midland Area Joint Council for the building trade was referred to me for approval under the Wages (Temporary Regulation) Act. On the advice of the Inter-Departmental Building Labour Committee the Minister consulted the Interim Court of Arbitration as to whether ho should approve the decision. On its advice he approved certain parts of the decision, but was unable to agree with that part of it which gave to building operatives in Coventry rates of wages payable in the highest graded towns. Government Departments employing labour in Coventry therefore were unable to let their contractors pay at the public expense rates of wages which the Interim Court of Arbitration advised me were too high. The situation has been altered by cue Industrial Courts Act, which recent d the Royal Assent last week, and the bates of wages to be paid on the scheme, will be those generally paid by good employers in the district.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has been strongly urged by various boards of guardians to amend the Local Government Act of 1888 so as to increase the repayment made on behalf of pauper lunatics, because of the in creased cost of maintenance; and, if so can he take any steps in the matter?

I have received communications upon the subject from a number of boards of guardians. I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 28th ultimo to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the board of guardians, Stoke-on-Trent union, urging the need for a revision of the Local Government Grants for officers' salaries and for maintenance of lunatics paid under the Local Government Act, 1888, in view of the increase in the staffs and salaries of officers, and in the cost of maintaining lunatics, and urging the Ministry of Health and the Poor Law Unions' Association to press for the matter to be dealt with by the Government as early as possible; and whether ho will indicate what steps have been taken respecting the same?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 28th October to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state the average cost per head of persons under the Poor Law?

The average weekly cost (excluding cost of buildings) of aninmate of a typical Poor Law institution may be taken as 20s. 6d. for the last financial year.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will allow the borough councils who are acquiring land in rural areas to use such schemes as a lever foe the extension of their boundaries?

The acquisition of land by a borough council in an adjoining rural area would not in itself afford sufficient justification for an extension of the boundary of the borough.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the successful results recently obtained by more lenient discipline at the Camp Hill preventive detention prison, he will consider the suggestion of allowing long-sentence men in con- vict prisons extended means of association after working hours, of permission to purchase tobacco with their monthly allowance, and of an increase of that allowance in consequence of the extra cost of all articles of consumption?

I have considered this matter, which has a good deal to recommend it, and have consulted the Prison Commissioners, but I find that in view of the construction of convict prisons and the impossibility of separating a small group of convicts from the rest it is impracticable to adopt it without serious interference with the necessary discipline of the prison. The case of the men under preventive detention who have served their sentences of penal servitude and are segregated in a special prison is entirely different.

asked the Home Secretary whether any offers are being or have been made by the Chief Commissioner of Police to the late members of the Metropolitan Police Force to undertake the work of other trade unionists who are on strike; if so, whether such offers have been made or are being made on his suggestion or with his approval; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The reply to this question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a local fuel overseer who takes possession as emergency reserve stock of the major proportion' of a truck of coal consigned to a private consumer, with the previous permission of the overseer, is entitled to take same without, payment; if not, whether he is required to refund to the consumer the cost per ton which the latter paid to the merchant, and, in default of payment by the local fuel overseer, to whom should application for payment be made; and what remedy is open to the consumer if a remittance is not forthcoming after demand made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the nega- tive. If the circumstances indicated in the latter parts of the question have arisen, I should be glad if my hon. Friend will send full particulars to the Controller of Coal Mines in order that inquiry may be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the need of developing inland water transport, he will consider the advisability of supplying -coals to tugs and other small craft employed solely on inland waterways at the factory rate instead of the sea-going bunker rate?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave yesterday to questions on the subject of coal prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why an application for an allowance of coal has been refused to Mr. F. H. Burle, of 52, Peronne Street, Aldershot, in view of the fact that Mr. Burle was employed in the coal distributing business prior to joining the Army; and whether it is the policy of the Board of Trade to discourage ex-soldiers from bettering themselves when they desire to set up in business independently?

I regret that, owing to the difficulty of finding coal and customers for men starting in the coal dealing business on their own account for the first time, it is necessary sometimes to withhold the grant of a licence even in circumstances—such as the case of Mr. Burle—where the Department has every desire to help. My right hon. Friend is having the position reviewed again, how ever, in the light of the improvement in output.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the average tonnage of coal exported monthly during the last six months; whether he is aware that difficulties still exist in obtaining coal for home consumption; whether coal is sold for export and bunkers at a higher rate than is charged for home consumption; and who benefits by this extra profit?

The average monthly amount of coal (exclusive of coke and manufactured fuel) exported during the six months—May to October—was approximately 3,000,000 tons. I am aware that difficulties still exist in obtaining coal for home Consumption, in certain areas, owing to inadequate transport facilities for the transfer of coal from the exporting districts. The answer to the third part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative; and as he is aware the Government proposes to deal with the profits of the coal industry by legislation. The benefit goes towards meeting the cost of production of the coal used by inland consumers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that coal exported to Port Said for Navy Department Account during the months of May to August were carried under direction orders of the Ministry of Shipping at 22s. 6d. per dead-weight ton; if he is aware that the price paid by the Admiralty for the coal was considerably less than the price allowed to be charged to a private shipper; if he is aware that the rate of freight directed to be charged to the private shipper by the Shipping Controller was 45s. per ton; whether he is aware that the private shipper largely ex ports for bunker purposes; if his attention has been called to the fact that the high cost of bunker coals is conducive to in creasing the high cost of living; and if he can state any valid reasons why the Admiralty should obtain their coal at Port Said at a price considerably less than the actual cost of production and transport?

This question, in so far as it relates to direction, orders, and rates of freight, should be addressed to my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping. As regards the latter parts of the question, the whole question of the relation of bunker prices and the price of industrial coal to the cost of production is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the average export price of coal in South Wales of steam coals for the periods January to June, 1915, July to December, 1915, January to June. 1916, July to December, 1916, January to June, 1917, July to December, 1917, January to June, 1918, July to December, 1918. January to June, 1919, and July to 31st October, 1919: whether the export price is identical with the price charged for bunker coals; whether he can state; the price paid by the private consumer in the United Kingdom, other than a shipowner, during the same periods; if he can now disclose the prices paid by the Admiralty Department for best Welsh large steam coal during the same periods; and if the price of best Admiralty coals for Navy purposes was regulated by powers under the Defence of the Realm Act without regard to the cost of production or the price paid by the home consumer?

The average export prices of steam coals in South Wales for the nine half-yearly periods from the 1st January, 1915, to the 30th June, 1919, were 17s. 7d., 18s. 3d., 22s. 2d., 24s. 8d., 26s. 1d., 27s. 2d., 27s. 5d., 29s. 4d., and 33s. 5d. respectively. I regret that the figure for the period July to October, 1919, is not yet available. The prices paid by private consumers, other than shipowners, in the United Kingdom are fixed in accordance with the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915, and the Coal (Pit's-mouth) Prices Orders made jointly under that Act and the Defence of the Realm Regulations. These prices vary with the place of delivery. The Admiralty price paid during the periods named was approximately 7s. per ton over the colliery price as fixed under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915. Full consideration was given to the cost of production and the price paid by the home consumer in fixing the Admiralty price.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will arrange that the Appendices (Cmd. 361) to the Reports and Minutes of Evidence of the Coal Commission shall be published before the Bill limiting the profits of the mine-owners is introduced and in sufficient time before that to give Members a proper opportunity to study them?

I must refer the hon. Member to the President of the Board of Trade for information as to the date of the introduction of the Bill limiting the profits of mine-owners. Meanwhile, as I stated yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Ogmore, it is expected that the appendices in question will be ready for issue shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any claims from the Imperial Merchants Service Guild relative to compensation for officers and men of the Merchant Service for ill-health due to war service; and, if so, whether it is intended to take any action in the matter?

The Board of Trade receive from time to time from the Imperial Merchant Service Guild particulars of cases of ill-health of members of the Mercantile Marine which occurred during the War. Each case is investigated with a view to seeing whether the ill-health can properly be attributed to war perils and compensation be granted under the. War Risks Compensation Scheme.

asked the Pensions Minister what is the present allowance to the widow and to the orphans of a Mercantile Marine officer, and other members of crew, respectively, killed during the War through enemy action at sea; and whether any increase is contemplated in view of the present cost of living?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a leaflet giving particulars of the pensions and allowances payable under the War Risks Compensation Scheme for the Mercantile Marine. The question of amending that scheme in view of the present cost of living is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the policy of the Board as regards the disposal of hay and straw purchased but not yet removed from farms is still that of leaving this produce where it is until it can be sold with out loss; and whether, in view of the utter impossibility of fulfilling this desire, the Board will reconsider their decision, cut their loss, and thus remove a cause of dissatisfaction to the farming community?

The Board of Trade are not responsible for the disposal of hay and straw of the 1918 crop, to which I think that the hon. Member must be referring.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, almost immediately upon the opening of the recent exhibition of motor cars at Olympia, practically the whole of the English manufacturers suddenly raised the prices of their cars in sums varying from £50 to £300; whether this action was taken by concerted arrangement among the manufacturers; whether it is justified by the attitude of labour in the motor-car trade or otherwise; whether he is aware that the action of the manufacturers has raised resentment on the part of intending buyers, and that large numbers of contracts for purchase have been cancelled: and whether ho will cause inquiries to be made into the whole matter with a view to taking action, if justified, to put a stop to combines, or trusts, or profiteering in motor cars against the public interests?

I am aware that there is at present a large demand for motor cars, and that the prices charged have been at a high level. My right hon. Friend will consider the advisability of taking the action suggested in the last part of the question, but I would remind my hon. Friend that there are many articles requiring investigation which are more generally used by the public than private motor cars

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the average selling price of petrol per gallon in tins to the public in November, 1918, May, 1919, and at the present time; and whether the Government will take steps, by control or other means, to reduce the present price of this fuel, which to-day is inflating the cost of transport?

The average retail selling price of petrol per gallon in tins in November, 1918, was, in England and Wales, 4s.; the corresponding price in May, 1919, was 3s. 0½d., and the current average retail price is understood to be 2s. 11½d. per gallon. Petrol has already been declared to be an article in common use under the terms of the Profiteering Act, and the provisions of that Act accordingly apply to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the report of the Aerated Bread Company, which has declared a dividend of 30 per cent., as against 15 per cent, in 1917–18, and has made a net profit of £151,950, as against £96,545 in 1917–18 and £17,080 in 1915–16; and whether he will take the necessary steps to bring sales at restaurants within the scope of the Profiteering Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, in agreement with the Food Controller, the Profiteering Act has been applied to a large number of uncontrolled articles of food, and it is open to the local committees to hear and determine complaints relating to the sale of any articles of food to which the Act has been applied, irrespective of whether such food is sold in restaurants or not.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the distress existing among many officers and engineers of the Merchant Service owing to their in ability to obtain employment; and whether any steps are being taken to remedy this?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yester day to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith.

asked the Minister of Trans port whether he is aware that the shortage of railway trucks in South Lincolnshire and adjacent areas is causing discontent and loss to agriculturists; whether he is aware that produce is often taken to a station five or six times and has to be returned owing to no trucks being available, involving many miles of cartage: whether this shortage of trucks is keeping up prices by preventing agricultural produce being put on the market as freely as would otherwise be the case; and whether he proposes to take steps to deal with this matter?

I am not aware of any instances such as those referred to in the second part of this question, and there is a well-established custom under which farmers inquire whether trucks are available before carting their produce to the station. In view of the difficulties traders experience in clearing wagons loaded with produce at London terminal stations, I do not think the shortage of trucks is keeping up the price of produce.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the privately-owned railway wagons of coal merchants at Blaenau Festiniog, when enroute to collieries in the Ruabon district, are being diverted and used for the conveyance of macadam and setts from Arenig station, Great Western Railway, and that this practice results in serious delays in the delivery of the necessary coal supplies to Blaenau Festiniog; and whether he will take steps to prevent a recurrence at this season of a practice which is causing serious hardship?

The practice of loading private owners' wagons on the return journey when they would otherwise travel empty is in the public interest in view of the present shortage of empty wagons. I will, however, make inquiries into this particular case.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a letter from the Bulwell Finishing Company, Limited, of Nottingham, complaining of the delay in delivery of thousands of pounds worth of goods owing to the failure on the part of the railway companies to return empty hampers which now cost nearly £5 each; and whether he can fake steps to improve upon the present position?

The hon. Member has supplied me with particulars of the delays referred to. I am having these in quired into and will communicate the result to him.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the special Report of an investigation conducted by the Ministry in connection with the reopening of the closed exit from the Midland Railway station at Nottingham opposite Trent Street is the same one which admitted the prevalence of local irritation and ill-feeling; and whether, in view of the opinion of the mayor, sheriff, and city council, and many representative associations of manufacturers and others, that the one entrance and exit now in use at the Midland Rail way station does not provide reasonable or necessary facilities either of approach or exit to the various platforms, he will cause further inquiries to be made?

The reply to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, while I regret dissatisfaction should exist, I can not add to the answer given to the hon. Gentleman on this matter on the 17th November.

asked the Post master-General whether he has received any complaints from the Cardiff district regarding the telephone service; whether he is aware that a firm of solicitors in Pontypool have complained to the district manager, Post Office Telephones, Cardiff, to the effect that they have been repeatedly cut off after having secured communication with Newport and that on seven or eight occasions on trunk calls to London, after being informed that connection was established, it was a considerable time before communication was secured and then communication was cut off before the conversation was finished; whether he is aware that, in reply to complaints made at the time, the supervisor at Cardiff denied that the subscribers had been cut off; and whether he will have full inquiry made into the working of the system in the district referred to?

I am having a full investigation made, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in connection with a dispute at Newburgh, Fife, certain quarrymasters have dismissed a number of men on the ground that the men had joined a trade union; whether he is aware that these quarrymasters are members of the Quarrymasters' Association, and federated under the Joint Industrial Council; and whether he can take any action in this matter?

The attention of the Department has been called to this matter, and negotiations are proceeding with a view to settling the dispute.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any of the information which he receives from trade unions concerning their funds, membership rates, proceedings, etc., is placed at the disposal of other Departments of State prior to publication and, if so, of what Departments of State; whether the special branch of Scotland Yard or any other administrative authority under the Home Office has access to any of this information; and, if so, to what information and on what conditions?

The information received by the Ministry of Labour from trade unions concerning their funds, membership, proceedings, etc., is not placed at the disposal of other Departments of the State; and neither Scotland Yard nor any other authority under the Home Office I has had access to this information, except in so far as it is published.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many workmen are being discharged in order to find room for ex-Service men, thus in tensifying the feeling against the stoppage of the unemployment donation to civilians; whether this point was considered before the Government came to their decision; whether steps can yet be taken to prevent the anomaly which will arise as a result of the Government's decision, whereby an ex-Service man receiving un employment donation will be given work at the expense of a man who, upon discharge, will not receive assistance during unemployment; and whether ex-Service men are now being put into the positions of other workmen in order to save the payment of unemployment donation?

The cases in which workmen are being discharged in order to find room for ex-Service men are, so far as I am aware, principally those in which the ex-Service men are returning to their former employers, and the right hon. Member will, I am sure, agree that ex-Service men have the stronger claim to employment if any discharges have to be made. Apart from the stoppages caused by trade disputes, I have no reason to suppose that any considerable number of workpeople need remain unemployed at the present time. The saving of donation is not the motive underlying the Government's policy towards the problem of finding work for ex-Service men.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to resolutions passed at large meetings of unemployed workmen in Newcastle, Manchester, London, and else where protesting against the discontinuance of unemployment donations to civilians and indicating the amount of distress which at present exists as the result of unemployment; arid whether, in view of the assurances which have recently been given to this House that everything possible would be done to relieve distress due to unemployment, he can now state specifically the steps proposed to be taken to deal with the situation?

I am aware of these resolutions. The question raised is being examined, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of a serious lack of employment in the Newcastle-on-Tyne district; and, if so, will he endeavour to provide employment?

I am aware that there is a good deal of unemployment at New castle. The Employment Exchanges, aided by the Local Employment Committee, are taking all possible steps to find employment for those out of work.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire whether he has now received copies of the replies to the Notes addressed by the Supreme Council to the German and neutral Governments, requesting their co-operation in a form of blockade of Soviet Russia; and, if so, what is the nature of such replies?

issued the following statement as promised in his reply to the above Question yesterday:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any declarations of policy or statements in the form of ultimatums have been transmitted to the Esthonian Government or to the other Baltic States through Consular or Diplomatic representatives to the British Government in those countries; and, if so, with what object?

No declaration or statement in the form of an ultimatum has been addressed to the Governments in question by or through any British representative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will cause a revised edition of the publication known as "A Collection of Reports on Bolshevism in Russia" (Command Paper No. 8) to be issued, including those atrocities appertaining to the anti-Bolsheviks which were omitted from the last publication and other evidence which has been received subsequently?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will favourably consider the question of publishing in cheap form an authentic account of some of the atrocities committed under Bolshevik rule in order that the people of this country may know the actual facts from a reliable source?

I do not propose to lay further Papers on this subject unless there is a general desire in the House that this should be done.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he can give an approximate date as to when the tenants of Regent House, Kingsway, may be expected to be able to resume occupation of their premises in view of an intimation of the landlords of their temporary premises that their holding of such premises must terminate before the New Year?

Half of Regent House, Kingsway, has already been vacated, and the remaining half will, I trust, be vacated during next month. The: necessary work of reinstatement will, it is estimated, take about four weeks to execute. I am not aware that the landlords of the temporary premises at present occupied by the tenants have intimated that such tenancies must terminate before the New Year.